Reflexive Verbs

Understanding Reflexive Verbs

  • Reflexive verbs in Spanish are used when the subject and the object are the same.
  • Reflexive verbs usually end in -se in their infinitive form: for example, ‘llamarse’ (to call oneself), ‘peinarse’ (to comb one’s hair) and ‘lavarse’ (to wash oneself).
  • When conjugating reflexive verbs, you need to use a reflexive pronoun that matches the subject.

Conjugating Reflexive Verbs

  • Conjugation of reflexive verbs is similar to regular verbs, but you also have to change the reflexive pronoun to agree with the subject.
  • For instance, “Yo me llamo”, “Tú te llamas”, “Él/Ella/Usted se llama” in present tense of ‘llamarse’.
  • The reflexive pronoun usually comes before the verb, but with infinitives and gerunds, it can be attached to the end: “Voy a lavarme” (I am going to wash myself) or “Estoy lavándome” (I am washing myself).

Common Uses of Reflexive Verbs

  • Reflexive verbs are commonly used to express daily routines: “Me levanto a las siete” (I get up at seven), “Me cepillo los dientes” (I brush my teeth).
  • They’re often used to express emotions or states: “Me siento bien” (I feel well), “Se me olvidó” (I forgot).
  • Some verbs change their meanings completely when made reflexive: “ir” (to go) changes to “irse” (to go away or to leave) and “dormir” (to sleep) changes to “dormirse” (to fall asleep).

Reflexive Vs. Non-Reflexive Verbs

  • Not all verbs in Spanish can be made reflexive. However, those that can often have different meanings when used reflexively and non-reflexively.
  • For example, “Yo lavo el coche” (I wash the car) vs “Yo me lavo” (I wash myself); the action of washing is happening to different subjects in each scenario.
  • Always pay attention to the context to understand whether a verb should be used reflexively or non-reflexively.

Important Reflexive Verbs To Remember

  • Some common reflexive verbs that you should remember include: ‘levantarse’ (to get up), ‘sentirse’ (to feel), ‘acostarse’ (to go to bed), ‘bañarse’ (to bathe), ‘despertarse’ (to wake up), ‘enamorarse’ (to fall in love) and many more.
  • Always remember to conjugate both the reflexive pronoun and the verb to match the subject.